Sean Payton didn’t sound eager to make Bo Nix’s legs a bigger part of Denver’s offense heading into Week 7.
Asked Friday whether he wants to see his quarterback run more, Payton pointed instead to how defenses are playing the Broncos. “A lot of that happens with back-to-the-quarterback defense.
It’s a little bit different when eyes are to the quarterback. So when you get the man combinations or the match stuff… It’s not on my Top-10 list of things that we’re working on.”
Payton also made it clear he expects more work for RB Jonah Coleman. “I think it’s something he’s earned. He’s done a good job of that.”
In Los Angeles, the focus was on rookie DE Akheem Mesidor, who has drawn strong praise from two of the Chargers’ defensive veterans in the middle of his first pro season. Safety Derwin James said, “[Mesidor’s] a beast, bro.
He’s going to be one of the top edges in this league. I can’t wait,” James said, via ESPN.
“I keep seeing him ascend. Very smart, don’t say too many words.
Just shows up to work, and I feel like he’s a great reason why the defense is one of the top ones for sure.”
EDGE Khalil Mack echoed that sentiment and pointed to the traits that have stood out to him most. “The different intangibles you need on the edge.
Speed. Obviously, the explosiveness.
His ability to get off blocks and make tackles. I feel like his tackling was underrated,” Mack added on Mesidor.
“He’s a great tackler and yeah, his ability to get to the ball. His hustle up on the back side of plays, he’s chasing stuff down on screens.
Yeah, it’s just impressive.”
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For now, that leaves the Chargers in the familiar spot of being discussed as much for what they might do as for what they actually plan to do. Around the league, teams such as Kansas City and the Jets are also being watched for possible deadline movement, and those ripple effects can matter in a hurry if a market starts to form for veterans or young players with upside. Whether Los Angeles ever steps into that market is still the bigger question, and it is the kind of one fans will keep debating until the deadline passes. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Backfield Suddenly Feels More Complicated Around Kimani Vidal
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Kimani Vidal is the name adding even more intrigue now, because there have also been reports that teams are checking on his availability. Nothing has been finalized, and the Chargers still have decisions to make about how they want to sort out the depth behind their lead options, but the combination of a departed practice-squad back and outside interest in Vidal makes the room feel more unsettled than it did a few days ago. [Read more 🡒]